Pool Coping Guide 101: What Is It And Why Your Pool Needs It

August 19, 2019

You’re most likely to be thinking about pool copings if you’re about to build a swimming pool in your backyard or buying a home with one.

Almost all in-ground pools have coping stones around their edges. And to get the most out of your pool, you need to take care of it. You have to maintain not just its overall looks, but its durability and efficiency as well.

Pool coping is not only a finishing touch which you can grip when it’s time to get out of the water, it’s also a stylish way to help protect and preserve your swimming pool. Thus, it is vital to understand the function of pool copings, and the options available out there to help you choose the perfect pool coping for a border that’s both practical and attractive.

What Is Pool Coping?

In architecture, coping is the protective lip or cap at the top of the wall to complete its look. It also protects it from various elements. Pool design uses it in the same manner.

When building your in-ground swimming pool, it will most likely have some exposed steel on its bond or pool wall’s upper surface. Installing coping will cover this. It can also help lead the water away from your swimming pool and in the floor drain. Besides increasing safety for your entire family around the edges of your pool, these copings also provide an aesthetic appeal that provide a complete look to your backyard.

You may also consider pool copings as a part of a pool landscaping, where you can add a touch of your personality to it. It is available in a wide array of materials, finishes, cuts, and colours, so you’ll be able to find something suitable for the overall design of your outdoor space.

The design of pool coping is usually in a beautiful outward slant. Pool builders usually use composite materials, concrete pavers, and natural stone for it. You also have the option to use wood and metal, but they are at risk of wear and tear since the pool environment is rich in moisture. Furthermore, they are more expensive and require extra maintenance and care.

Importance Of Pool Coping

Aside from directing splashes of water away from the pool and in the floor drains, adding coping can also serve the following significant purposes:

It can keep dirt, leaves, grass, and other debris from entering your pool.

Coping can provide an accessible and yet attractive cover for an automatic pool cover and other mechanical components.

It helps block water from infiltrating the area behind the shell of the pool that may potentially cause damage.

Swimmers can exit and enter from the poolside safely.

Reduces the risk of sliding or slipping.

How To Choose The Best Pool Coping Material

Price. Choose a material that’s well within the budget you have in mind.

Safety. Make sure your coping is slip-resistant, sturdy, useful, and with a safe design. Also, ask your supplier if it absorbs plenty of sun heat.

Availability. Consider its maintenance requirements, and make sure that it’s readily available if it needs repair and replacement.

Durability. Check if the material is long-lasting and can withstand extreme weather in your region.

Style. Opt for a material that will blend naturally with your landscaping, deck, outdoor furniture, and all other design components of your space.

Different Pool Coping Materials

There are four types of materials for pool copings – natural stone, bricks, concrete pavers, and composite materials.

1. Natural Stones

You can bring out the natural beauty of your pool and make it durable with natural stones. You have a lot of choices from limestone and sandstone to granite and travertine. They may cost more than the other materials, but they require little upkeep. These landscape stones can also give your outdoor area a stunning visual appeal. Natural stone pool copings have recently become extremely popular in North America due to their durability and anti-slip nature.

2. Bricks

These pool coping materials are versatile, can withstand chlorinated water, and readily available. Bricks also come in a variety of colours and sizes. You can easily replace them as well when damaged, although you have to caulk and seal them when repairing.

3. Concrete Pavers

Pavers come in various sizes and finishes. You can also replace them gradually if necessary. They are sturdy like bricks and need little upkeep. Moreover, they’re water-resistant and ideal for salt-water swimming pools. Concrete pool copings don’t look as appealing as natural stone pool copings, and sometimes cost similar to natural stones.

4. Composite Materials

Composite materials are quite affordable. They’re also easy to modify, cut, and shape. This coping material is available in curved sections, corners, and straight lengths. You can even have each piece mortared and then sealed to achieve a cohesive look. Additionally, they’re salt and water-resistant, as well as extremely durable as long as you use an excellent sealant when installing them.

Natural Stone Pool Coping

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